Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Redecorating...

Hello people...have you been watching?! I just got finished watching the action sequences with the helicopter, I was really really impressed with what they did. This is the direction that daytime is going in. Audiences (and that includes you and me) are far more sophisticated than the days of old, so you gotta give them what they want. What an honor it was to be asked to be a part of all that.

One of the first things I wanted to do when I got to All My Children was change the carpet in my dressing room. And if you've ever dealt with any type of corporate business, you understand when I say the word, "red tape". If I called a certain extension on a certain day at a certain time, and put in a work order, and had that improved by somebody's higher up, maybe at that point, it would be brought before the board where it would be decided upon at a later date like maybe when my contract is up, LOL. So I sneakingly called Empire Carpet, but it didn't sound like Empire Carpet that everybody else gets on the phone, you know, fancy operators that put you on hold, where you listen to the built in advertisement for themselves, and you press 1 for carpeting, 2 for window treatments, 3 for tile. Instead, I got some guy named Ace, who had a thick Israeli accent, he assured me that this was "the" Empire Carpet that everybody knows and loves on the phone. I made an appointment for them to come to ABC. Two days later, three guys in a beat up white van show up. I tried to explain to security that no, they are not hit men, but rather carpet guys. I got them through security. Ace proceeded to show me the carpet samples. And it seemed more expensive than I remembered Empire Carpet being, but I thought what the hell, you are only Jake Martin once. So I proceeded to pick out a luxurious burgundy carpet for my dressing room. Right at that moment, Debbi Morgan walks up and decides she wants carpet. And since I had the samples, I helped her pick a flavor. So at that moment, Darnell Williams walks up and he wants carpeting. And don't forget I'm trying to play this low key, discrete, under the radar, flying low. Then Jacob Young walks up and he wants carpeting. Rebecca Budig, Bobbie Eakes, Denise Vasi. Beth Ehlers came over to visit at that moment and she wants carpeting too. Now it's like a town meeting. We're picking out tile, colors, berber or not, industrial vs. commercial. When all was said and done, a dozen actors had put in their order. And don't forget, I'm spearheading the organization at this point, I'm the Empire Carpet president, and I'm not only the president, but I'm also a member. All the ladies in hair and makeup, and wardrobe, are gawking. I tell everyone I will handle it from here on out. To handle any further disruption, I put thousands of dollars on my credit card for Ace, who says he will be back two weeks from Thursday. All week long, all the actors have been knocking my door like I'm an Amway distributor. In two weeks.....Ace shows up with a mountain of carpet strapped to the white van, along with the padding, it seemed like enough carpet to cover the upper west side of New York City. At this point, I had a conflict. I needed someone on the inside, and don't forget I'm still the new guy, so this is very tricky business. I bribed one of the teamsters (which NEVER happens, *wink*) that maybe, possibly he might carry a blind eye if he didn't see a certain particular crappy white van back up into the loading docks. There was so much carpet coming into the building at this point that it took both freight elevators (that move entire sets by the way), to make this possible. There were golf carts and fork lifts flying by, cherry pickers (one man crane) flying around, people screaming. And every five minutes they call for a lunch break. I'm talking chaos. So we managed to get the carpet into the elevator. All this time, I'm told I'm supposed to be on the set, acting or something, but instead I found myself in the middle of a covert operation. Just at that moment, I get the word that there are inspectors going through the actors dressing rooms, taking notes on what we need and do not need, six guys with clipboards. Long story short, we got the freight elevators shut, and Ace and team went to work. You've never heard so much banging, scraping, tearing in your life. I was technically done shooting by 11am that morning, but I didn't leave the building until 9 o'clock at night, making sure everybody got the carpet that they ordered. At one point, they had made a mistake with some of the carpeting and brought too much deer hunter green and not enough amber jack, but I knew this would be a big problem, until I ran into Jacob Young. I was like, "Look Jacob, see this beautiful green carpet, you too can have this!" I don't know if Jacob liked it or he was being nice to the new guy, but Jacob Young has gone green!

Now let's get serious for a minute, did you all hear about the goodbye party for Gus and Harley? The response to their departure has been sad, but I'm really looking forward to seeing you there. It has a Greek theme, we have invited all of the Cooper family and of course the Spaulding family. We can break bread, and plates together. You don't know what fun is until you've broken a plate with Justin Deas (Buzz, my ex father in law from GL), and Ron Raines (my Dad from Guiding Light), but they will all be there. It will be our last time together on this planet as Gus and Harley. I hope you can make it. You can find more information and book your reservations on my website at:

Do you remember the last words spoken between us? It went something like this:

"We almost got it right. Let's try it again in another lifetime."

Well maybe now you know what we were talking about. So I really hope you can join us.

Next order of business. The Emmys. You should know that I have been asked to host the Red Carpet for ABC's SoapNet, which I believe airs from 6-8pm EST. This time, I'm not going to let anyone off the hook, and I'm not going to ask a single person who or what they are wearing, because people don't care about that stuff. It's all about people and what is going on in their life. Also, you should know that there will be a special announcement during the Emmys regarding All My Children. Certain NEW characters that may or may not be joining the show, you know what I'm "not" talking about, *wink*. So tune in.

Last but not least, I just got back from the CMA festival in Nashville, which was an amazing experience. There were thousands of faithful watchers, with lots of people telling me how much it affected them when Gus died. It really touched me. On the plane ride home, I thought a lot about how much my life has changed.

Ricky,first of all thank you for thathilarious story about the carpet.i have not laughed that hard ina long time. just so you know, burgundy and emerald green aretwo of my favorite colors. speaking of red tape, i know howthat goes myself being in retailfor 23 years. corporate can bestubborn. I am really glad youare on all my children, a showthat i have been watching for 20years. I have really been enjoyingwatching you portray Dr. Jake Martin. I love how you put yourheart and soul into the characterand all my children really foundthemselves a true "gold" minewhen they got you to play thispart. I never got a chance to see your work on guiding light,but i am glad i am able to seeit now on all my children. Keepup the awesome work, and i amlooking forward to seeing youat the emmy's. take care.jackie

I wrote in my last post, "please take Beth with you", so from the bottom of my heart "Thanks". It must have been the burgundy carpet that lured her in.

Does it make you kinda sad that everyone is posting that they are watching AMC and ditching GL. As a faithful GL viewer I thought there was room in my heart for two daytime dramas, but alas AMC has won me over. I feel like a traitor!

I've only posted one other time here but in the post I asked you to please take Beth with you, so from the bottom of my heart "Thank You". It must have been the burgundy carpet that lured her in.

Does it make you kind of sad that everyone is posting about watching AMC now and ditching GL? As a faithful GL viewer I thought that there was room in my heart for two Daytime Dramas but it turns out that I love one more than the other.

AMC really does have better writing and filming. There I've said it. I feel like a traitor.

You had me laughing sooo hard at your carpet adventure!! Hope the cast and crew got as much a kick out of it as your fans did reading about it!

I was already looking forward to your hosting the red carpet on Soapnet at the Emmys... knowing this "non-announcement" about a certain new character coming to AMC might be "not made" while you're hosting that just adds to my excitement!! The editors at SoaptownUSA thank you for this, too... as I've been bugging them non-stop for info on who you-know-who will be playing... : )

Per your suggestion, I want to say that you are so generous in sharing with your fans... and your portrayals have been so moving... that you FEEL like family to me... so I wanted be sure and send some love your way today!! You've certainly added love and joy to my life many, many days!!!

And I want to end by reminding you that I (I'm probably speaking for many here... so I should use "we") know you're busy... but I'm sure nobody here would mind if you posted a little more often... we always love hearing from you!!

Ricky you really, really have a great way of telling a story. That was very entertaining reading. It reminded me of when my office was moved to a new floor not so very long ago. The very first thing that had to go was the carpet. Then, because the carpet was changed the wall color had to go too, then the decor needed to change to go with the walls! It just kept snowballing, but in the end, it was worth all the trouble. Now, I have to tell you, that I started watching AMC about 2 months ago and it didn't take me very long to get into the storylines. It is so interesting to watch you in this new role. Jake is still, to me, mysterious. What is his story, what happened to him in Africa, what secrets does he have? I can't wait to see this character evolve. I recommend to all of the GL viewers who miss you so much to tune into AMC. I have a feeling you will soon make me forget all about Gus! Oh, and Beth joining AMC, need I say more. Also when Beth begins her role on AMC, and Jake as a scene with her (hopefully there will be a romance) it would be amazing to see Jake do that little head tilt followed by that piercing look that you do so well. The fans that followed you from GL would be thrilled to see you look at Beth that way again. You own that look, so use it!

Every time I see a beat up white van I will always think of you and that crazy story about the carpets. LOL I am taking that long, long drive from Florida to Jersey on Wednesday and thanks to you I will have a game to play with my daughter Jessica on the way up. We will be counting how many beat up white vans we see all the way up to Jersey. :) LOL

Thank you for sharing that story with us. Debbie

Love your storyline so far on AMC. As always, you are doing a great job. :)

Ricky! You are killing me making us wait for this announcement!!!Will certainly be catching the emmys now- have seen you on AMC a few times and you are doing great man- and you are motivating me to do something about the ugly carpetinmy apt!take care!-Chris

You have come a long way!! I first met you in Cincinnati, OH on the set of "Bobbie & Sara" - do you remember that after school special film you did? I was an extra on the set and we spoke outside in between takes. That was soo long ago - like 25 years or so.... How old were you then? Congrats on the new job at AMC. You'll be great.

I loved you "covert carpet installation" story, it sounds like quite the caper!

I'd love to join you for the Brunch, and am trying to rearrange my schedule to accommodate for it.

I must concur with those who expressed how much it affected them when they watched Gus' death. Your performance left me startled and heartsick. Losing Gus was like losing a best friend or family, simply because you MADE us love and care for him so very much.

Now, I am waiting very impatiently for Jake's storyline (on AMC) to start getting some airtime. Right now, he is an enigma, one moment brash and demanding and the next, withdrawn and introspective. We know he carries a great deal of pain around with him daily, but even after two solid months, we have very few clues as to why.So tell the powers that be and the new head writer to "get on with it" and let us see Jake front and center in the Pine Valley landscape!

BTW, you were GREAT on the Red Carpet show, my only complaint is that it seemed you had the least amount of on-air time, they need to work on that for next year... **wink**

So how did I know it wouldn't take you long to get in trouble at AMC?! LOL! :) That carpet story was hilarious! :)

I think I said it before, but I am beyond thrilled that Beth is at AMC now! You guys looked so happy during the red carpet special and during the telecast! I can't wait to see you and Beth together on screen on AMC!

My daughter's birthday is coming up on the 16th of July and I was hoping you could send her an e-mail wishing her a happy birthday her name is Cassie. I just know she would freak out if you did her e-mail is cassandragmz@yahoo.com please send her an e-mail. Thank You